Young People and the Environment: Predicting Ecological Behaviour

The aim of this study was to assess the environmental attitudes, knowledge and behaviours for young people aged 11-16 years, and evaluate which factors best predict ecological behaviour, through testing the model of Responsible Environmental Behaviour. Results indicted that while young people are not negatively disposed toward the environment, they have limited knowledge about the issues. Perceived personal responsibility toward the environment was shown to be the strongest predictor of ecological behaviour, followed by 'action skills' for boys and knowledge levels for girls. [Author abstract, ed]